MARKET TO MARKET SERIES: Sidney Street Market draws large crowd

This is the fourth in a series on the variety of summer markets on the Saanich Peninsula

Known as one of Sidney’s biggest summer events, the Sidney Street Market draws between 3,000 and 5,000 people to the town each week, said market organizer Laurie McDermid of Westcoast Impressions Event Planning.

“It’s a very balanced market,” McDermid said, adding that she has been working over the last two years to ensure there’s a variety of vendors each week.

“We have a large selection of vendors this year, more than we’ve ever had before and we are focusing more on things that are made locally like home made baking, jams, sweets, clothing and jewellery,” she said.

McDermid continued to say that the market has also kept a keen focus on locally grown produce as well as a great selection of food vendors.

“Our focus is to bring in change every week,” said McDermid.

“Some vendors alternate and the musical entertainment alternates week to week,” she said.

The market, which is run by the Town of Sidney (McDermid works on contract for them) features 145 vendors who line Beacon Avenue every Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. until Aug. 28.

“There is a terrific team of staff and volunteers which the market could not function without. I call them the dream team,” McDermid laughed, adding that team includes the Town of Sidney.

“It really couldn’t happen without them,” she said.

Sidney Mayor Larry Cross said the event is one that Sidney has become known for.

“The Sidney Street Market has grown over the last 15 years to become an anchor event in Sidney,” he said.

“It is an important community owned and operated event that draws thousands to the area and has a significant economic impact on our town.”

Ultimately, McDermid equates much of the success of the market to its location.

“What it really comes down to is that Sidney is the perfect location. It has so many beautiful shops and the market is really set in the heart of the town. That makes it special,” she said.

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Stay tuned in next Wednesday’s edition of the PNR for the final feature in this series.

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